Massage is a great way to connect to your baby and has been shown to help babies sleep better, gain weight, reduce fussiness, improve health and relax.

Our classes teach parents massage techniques in a progressive sequence over three weeks – focusing on different parts of the body each week, which provides opportunity to practice strokes at home, with the help of provided handouts, and review material in subsequent classes. Class sizes are kept small to ensure lots of personal attention.

The ideal time to start this class is when your baby is 2-6 months old, but younger and older babies are welcome. The emphasis in class is on following baby’s cues and learning the techniques to incorporate into your home routine.

Pack a towel or baby blanket you do not mind getting oil on, and a change of diapers and clothes.

Public venue classes are limited to eight (8) pairs. Please register early. Classes with insufficient enrollment a week in advance of course start may be cancelled.

Infant Massage classes involve a full-body massage with oil for baby. We provide sunflower or safflower oil and a bottle for you to use at home. Please contact us if you have allergy concerns and need an alternative oil.

Please bring a baby blanket or towel to cover our mats/blankets and a small toy to use during class.

Expect your baby to be a baby and know that their voice is welcome. Crying, eating, diaper changes, and sleeping is all perfectly fine during class.

Please bring only water or milk/formula in closed top containers into the yoga classroom. Feeding your baby – breast or bottle – is always welcome.

Please wear comfortable clothes that will allow you to sit on the floor and move around easily (jeans are typically not ideal).

Jennifer Mueller has been teaching yoga for children and families in Washington DC since 2008. Jen is a Yoga Alliance® Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RTY 200) and Registered Children’s Yoga Teacher (RCTY) as well as a Certified Educator of Infant Massage (CEIM), and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

Like so many, Jen first came to the yoga mat because of an injury, seeking nothing more than to feel better and balance her body for running. When she became a mother, her yoga practice became even more important: for building strength and flexibility, as relief for the discomforts of pregnancy and then the stresses of parenthood, as a reminder of the miracle of the human body and of her own resources and capabilities, and a regular connection to her breath and true Self during a time of significant identity changes. Her weekly baby yoga class during maternity leave encouraged her to embrace her daughter in the same loving, non-judgemental way that her own practice did for herself.

After being unable to find baby yoga class in the neighborhood that fit her work schedule, Jen stumbled on a listing for Itsy Bitsy Yoga facilitators training . . . and signed up. That turned out to be the first step on new path.

Beyond Breathing Space

Jen is honored to share her expertise with others who wish to share yoga with children as a teacher trainer for ChildLight Yoga, nationally recognized children’s yoga school. Jen co-authored and instructs the ChildLight Yoga for Babies & Toddlers Teacher Training (newborn-2 yrs) and instructs the ChildLight Yoga & Mindfulness for Children Teacher Training (ages 2-12). Learn more about local trainings with Jen or offerings around the country.

Before turning her attention to yoga full time, Jen spent more than a decade working with non- profit organizations in everything from daily operations, event and volunteer management, and finance to national policy advocacy and media relations. Jen holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts and a Master in Public Management degree from the University of Maryland. Her experience in social change movements and managing charitable organizations has been extremely helpful when working with schools and community organizations to implement yoga and mindfulness programs for children

Location Notes

Classes are most likely in the Art Room on the 1st floor. Check the info board by the reception office at the 9th Street entrance (ground floor.)

All strollers should be parked on the ground floor, near the kitchen. There is also a bicycle rack at the top of the 9th Street driveway.

Please plan to leave all non-valuable personal items outside or store them on the shelves in the classroom to keep the floors clear. There will be a coat rack in the hallway outside the classroom for your coats and larger bags.

Hill Center is an easy walk from Eastern Market metro and bus stops.

Street parking can be found on Pennsylvania Avenue or E Street. Please do not park in the very small Hill Center lot. That is reserved for loading and staff use.

Parents and children should still wait on the ground floor for classes to start, if the room isn’t open yet. There is usually seating near the kitchen and always seating in reception.